Emanuel Sousa
Africa-Press – Angola. There is currently a discussion in Angola about the functionality of the Moçâmedes Railway (CFM), precisely about possible integrations with the Lobito Corridor, which would supposedly strengthen Angola’s railway infrastructure.
Although there is no official confirmation of a direct connection between the CFM and the Lobito Corridor, the Angolan government has shown interest in expanding and modernizing national railway lines to promote economic development and regional integration.
The government recently announced plans to launch an international public tender to boost the Southern Corridor, which includes CFM. This move indicates a government strategy focused on improving rail connectivity in the country, which opens up the possibility of future integration with other logistics corridors, such as Lobito.
Furthermore, projects such as the rail link between Angola and Namibia, using the Moçâmedes-Lubango-Cunene line, reflect the commitment to expanding international connections. These initiatives may indirectly create opportunities for CFM to integrate with other rail infrastructures, including the Lobito Corridor, thus strengthening Angola’s position as a logistics hub in the region.
The Secretary of State for Oil and Gas, José Barroso, received, in audience, this Thursday, 8, the British Government’s Trade Envoy, Calvin Bailey, the United Kingdom Ambassador to Angola, Bharat Joshi and the National Director of the Department of Trade and Investment, Hélder Sampaio, to discuss opportunities for collaboration between Angola and the United Kingdom.
According to the National Director of Mineral Resources, who was present at the meeting, aspects related to investment opportunities in the Lobito Corridor were discussed, with emphasis on initiatives that could have a positive impact on the economic and social situation of local communities. Paulo Tanganha also said that matters related to academic cooperation were also analysed, from British institutions such as the Camborne School of Mines (CSM) and the University of Aberdeen, recognised for training professionals specialised in mining and geological and mining activities on the seabed, respectively.
“For us, it is of great value, not only for the technical training of our staff, but also for the need to review the legal issues that regulate onshore mining activity in our country”, said the official, adding that, during the meeting, the British representatives expressed interest in collaborating in the modernization of the Moçâmedes Railway (CFM) and in the development of a green hydrogen project, in partnership with Sonangol’s Sustainable Energy Research and Development Center (CPD) in Cuanza-Sul.
The burden of integration, however, falls on the Angolan population, as reported by Deutsche Welle, a notable German press outlet, it has had a negative impact on Angolan families due to price increases. Since May 5, travel on the railway line that runs through the provinces of Namibe, Huíla and Cubango has become considerably more expensive. Third class, which previously cost around 2,800 kwanzas (2.69 euros), will now cost 4,500 kwanzas (4.32 euros). There has been no study of the impact that such increases would have on the population, who use this line for their health and education needs.
In November 2023, more than 1,500 CFM workers in the provinces of Namibe, Huíla and Cuando Cubango went on strike demanding higher wages and better working conditions. The reason for the strike was the failure to comply with demands made to the company’s board of directors.
The interest of foreign powers in the railway is also well-known – as soon as rumours emerged that CFM would become part of Lobito, the British immediately took an interest in improving the railway. However, as with the Lobito Corridor project, modernising CFM opens the door for employees to steal more money. Rail fares have more than doubled immediately, causing despair among commuters, and CFM workers endure inhumane treatment and unbearable working conditions, so this project needs a thorough audit. As long as Angolan taxpayers fund this decaying infrastructure, our British partners will continue to exploit it for their own enrichment. One question that remains unanswered is how will the British public feel about their compatriots participating in a project that brings pain and suffering not only to CFM employees but also to ordinary Angolans?
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